Hey there, fellow word warriors and puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a particularly intriguing crossword clue that might have left some of you scratching your heads. It’s the kind of entry that looks deceptively simple on the surface, only to reveal layers of delightful complexity as you dig deeper. The challenging crossword clue we’re dissecting today is: “Fed up (11)“.
Right off the bat, that “(11)” is your biggest hint – and often, your biggest hurdle. “Fed up” is such a common phrase in everyday language, expressing anything from mild annoyance to profound frustration. Our brains immediately jump to a handful of short, obvious synonyms. But an 11-letter answer? That’s where the real fun, and the real challenge of this crossword clue, begins. It forces us to think beyond the immediate and delve into the nuances of language.
When you encounter a crossword clue like “Fed up (11)“, your first instinct might be to brainstorm all the synonyms for “annoyed,” “frustrated,” or “disgusted.” You might think of words like
weary
,
exasperated
,
bored
, or
disheartened
. But none of those hit the 11-letter mark. This tells us a few things about how this particular crossword clue is designed. It’s not looking for a direct, simple synonym; it’s likely seeking a more descriptive term, perhaps a less common expression, or even a compound word that perfectly encapsulates the sentiment.
One strategy for tackling such a deceptive crossword clue is to break down the phrase. “Fed up.” Is “fed” meant literally, as in having eaten too much? While crosswords are notorious for their wordplay and misdirection, in this context, “fed up” almost universally refers to an emotional state rather than a digestive one. So, we can probably safely discard the literal “feeding” angle, unless the surrounding letters make it unavoidable. This crossword clue is most likely playing on the idiom.
The beauty of solving crossword clues like this lies in the mental gymnastics required. You’re not just recalling definitions; you’re exploring the landscape of language. You might ask yourself: What are other ways to describe someone who has reached their limit? What adjective or descriptive phrase perfectly conveys that sense of having had enough? Think about the intensity of the feeling. Is it a slow burn or a sudden surge? The 11-letter constraint is your guide, eliminating countless possibilities and pushing you towards the perfect, precise fit.
Another angle to consider is the word’s structure. Could it be an “-ING” word? Or perhaps a word with a common prefix or suffix that extends its length? Is it a single, long word, or two shorter words hyphenated, collectively adding up to 11 letters? While “Fed up” itself is two words, the “(11)” clearly indicates a single, unified answer in the grid. This means we’re looking for one substantial word that elegantly captures the essence of being completely out of patience or utterly disenchanted.
Solving crossword clues like “Fed up (11)” is incredibly rewarding. It’s that moment when the lightbulb finally goes off, and you realize the word you’ve been searching for was there all along, hiding in plain sight, just waiting for your mind to connect the dots. It’s a testament to the richness of the English language and the cleverness of crossword constructors. This kind of word puzzle isn’t just about filling in squares; it’s about expanding your vocabulary, honing your lateral thinking, and celebrating the sheer joy of cracking a linguistic code.
So, for those of you who’ve grappled with this particular crossword clue, remember the journey is often as satisfying as the destination. Keep those brain cells firing, and never underestimate the power of an 11-letter solution to a seemingly simple phrase! What were your initial thoughts on this challenging crossword clue? Let us know how you approached it!
Available Answers:
DISGRUNTLED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 6 December 2025